Enyimba vs Ifeanyi Uba: post match reactions

After Wednesday’s NPFL fixture against FC Ifeanyi Uba, head coach Fatai Osho, captain Austin Oladapo and fit again forward Reuben Bala took turns to share their thoughts with the club’s media.

While Osho and Oladapo spoke on the team’s performance on the evening, Bala answered questions on his fourteen months layoff and eventual return with a goal.

Fatai Osho

“We experienced a lot of tiredness and when you’re tired you can’t do much. Wet tried to cope, I want to give a lot of commendation to the players for their ability to comebacck. It was so difficult.

“The schedule has been so tight and anybody that is here will know that the legs were not there. The legs were out. They were at the mercy of the opponents because every time those ones went on quick play we couldn’t really respond and that was the genesis of the whole problem.

“For the players who have crawled back and got this draw, we need to commend them. It’s just unfortunate we’ve not rested for how many months now, when other NPFL teams are resting, taking good rest and getting the body ready, it’s either we are on the road or playing somewhere. It’s not really an easy task at all.“

Austin Oladapo on fatigue

“It wasn’t an easy game for us. We are not happy about the result, we wanted to win this match so that we would be able to move to fourth position but it’s so unfortunate the game didn’t turn out the way we wanted but we have to take it in good faith.

“I noticed a lot of fatigue in the team because my players were unable to move unlike before. They were so static. Even when you hold the ball you are looking for who to pass the ball to. Everybody was just standing still which is not our style of play.

“So I think the fatigue in the team is telling on us now. I think we will get it right.”

Oladapo on comeback

“The way we played in the last minute of the half, we knew we didn’t want to lose that match, so that is what we told ourselves.

“We had to put up a good fight . I will give Kudos to the boys. They showed a lot of character in the second half from coming from 2-0 down to 2-2. The second half was a bit fair to us.

“That game is behind us now. What we need to do is get enough rest, come back on the pitch and see how the rest of the games go.

Reuben Bala on return to fitness.

“It wasn’t easy for me to see myself not playing active football. It was really devastatingi, really worrying for me; so along the line I was thinking of giving up but I said to myself that I can’t give up. I needed to fight, so then I started praying, started working hard.

“I am very, very happy I have recovered fully. I am very, very happy I am back to the squad. I am very, very happy to play my first match of the season.

“Over one year plus I didn’t play active football so I just want to appreciate God for all the things he has done.

“Seeing myself playing in the second half and seeing myself playing well and scoring a goal is something that I am very happy about – something I’m very excited about.”